After Umrah, a Batam Resident is Treated with Suspected MERS-CoV

BATAM - The Riau Islands Provincial Health Office (Dinkes Kepri) confirmed that one resident of Batam City is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital with suspected exposure to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Head of the Riau Islands Provincial Health Office, Bisri, explained that based on the results of the initial examination by a pulmonary specialist in Batam, the patient was categorized as a suspect or suspected MERS-CoV, not Super Flu as the information that had previously circulated.

"The results of the lung specialist lab examination in Batam, the concerned citizen is a suspect or suspected MERS-Cov. Not a suspect of Super Flu, as previously reported," said Bisri when contacted in Tanjungpinang, Sunday.

He explained, MERS-CoV is a virus that causes severe respiratory disorders that are generally found in the Middle East region, especially Saudi Arabia.

According to Bisri, the middle-aged patient was suspected of being infected after returning from an umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

"Currently, the residents in question are still undergoing treatment in Batam with symptoms such as flu, shortness of breath, pain, and nausea," he said.

As a follow-up, the North Sumatra Provincial Health Office has taken samples from the patient. The samples will be sent to the Ministry of Health in Jakarta for further laboratory examination to confirm the diagnosis.

On the other hand, Bisri appealed to the public not to panic about the Super Flu issue that has recently emerged in a number of areas. Based on data from the Ministry of Health, a total of 62 cases of Super Flu have been recorded until December 2025.

He emphasized the importance of prevention efforts by implementing a clean and healthy lifestyle (PHBS), and continuing to carry out health protocols, especially for people who are experiencing flu symptoms, such as wearing masks when interacting with others.

In addition, the public is also reminded to maintain body resistance through the consumption of nutritious food, adequate rest, and regular physical activity.

"Super Flu is the same as a common flu. The symptoms are just a little heavier. People with strong immune systems will not get flu," said Bisri.

He added that people who experience severe flu symptoms accompanied by fever that does not go down for three days, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, are advised to immediately consult the nearest health facility.

Until now, the Riau Islands Provincial Health Office has confirmed that no cases of Super Flu have been found in all districts and cities in the Riau Islands region. However, monitoring is still actively carried out to anticipate the possibility of new cases.